Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Elisha McCallion, has reiterated her call for volunteers to assist with a door-to-door collection for her Emergency Refugee Campaign, scheduled to take place the week beginning 23 November next.
The call was made following her Civic Action for Refugee Crisis group meeting.
The meeting, which is held on a regular basis, is attended by members of the statutory organisations, community and voluntary sectors to discuss a joint response to the refugee crisis.
Encouraging the public to do all they can to assist with the campaign, the Mayor said it was important that every effort is made to ensure that adequate plans are in place to resettle any refugees that may be located in the area.
In addition to the door-to-door collection fund, a petition to demonstrates public support for refugees – this is available for signing online or at all Council venues , and a half day conference, entitled Syria to Sanctuary here?’ , is taking place on 27 November at the Foyle Area.
Cllr McCallion said the Civic Action Group had been very proactive in looking at options for the long-term sustainability of any plan to welcome refugees to the city and district.
“There are so many ways in which people can help make a real difference. The public can donate directly to the fund or can volunteer to take part in our door to door collection, or sign the petition. Every small deed will make a real difference,” she said.
Full details the Mayor’s initiative and how to register to become a volunteer visit -http://www.derrystrabane.com/Subsites/Mayor/Mayor-s-Initiatives/